The Origin of Khempur (1628 AD)
The story of Ravla Khempur begins with an act of pure courage.
In 1628 AD, an enemy of the Mewar kingdom plotted to assassinate the young Prince Jagat Singh. While having his sword sharpened in the village marketplace, Thakur Khemraj Dadhivadia overheard the sinister plan.
On the fateful day, as the prince ventured out hunting, the assassin charged toward him with lethal intent. Just as the blade was about to strike the prince, Khemraj leapt from the thicket — swift, fearless, and unwavering — and with a single stroke of his sword, he beheaded the attacker, saving the prince’s life.
In gratitude, the Maharana of Mewar rewarded Khemraj Dadhivadia with land and named the village Khempur in his honour.
The Meaning of “Ravla”
In Rajasthan, Ravla refers to the residence of a village chieftain — a place of leadership, justice, hospitality, and tradition.
In earlier centuries, the Ravla was the heart of the village where:
Ravla Khempur carries this legacy forward with quiet pride.
A Living Heritage
The haveli exudes the charm of a bygone era:
- Lofty terraces
- Grand courtyards
- Carved arches and jharokhas
- Sprawling gardens
- Canopied balconies with coloured glass filtering the sunlight
Khempur village slowly grew around the Ravla — a cluster of traditional homes, shaded squares where locals still gather to discuss daily life, and verdant farmlands stretching toward the Aravalli hills.
To this day, the Ravla remains a serene refuge untouched by the noise of modernity.
The Equestrian Lineage
Ravla Khempur is deeply connected to Rajasthan’s legendary horses – the Marwari and Kathiawari breeds.
The estate’s stables have, for generations, housed high-pedigree horses known for their loyalty, curved ears, and noble temperament.
The current custodian, Kr. Hemant Deval, continues this proud equestrian tradition.
As beautifully noted in Marwari – Legend of The Indian Horse:
“Presiding with princely interest over all social comings and goings is the renowned Kathiawari stallion, Tipu Sultan — Hemant’s pride and the jewel of his stable.”
Guests today can still interact with these magnificent horses, ride through farmland, or explore Khempur’s serene landscape by horseback, cart, or baggi.
A Haveli Transformed, A Soul Preserved
Though the estate has been lovingly restored into a heritage stay, its essence remains unchanged.
The baithaks still breathe an air of aristocracy.
The rooms retain their traditional character.
The courtyards still fill with soft evening light.
The cuisine still honours Mewari traditions with no printed menus — only heartfelt hospitality and culinary surprise.
Every brick, every balcony, every corridor holds a story whispered across centuries.
Today
Ravla Khempur stands not just as a hotel, but as a living monument of Mewar’s courage, beauty, and timeless warmth.
A place where history is not merely remembered —
it is felt, touched, and lived.
Every stay at Ravla Khempur adds a new chapter to its 400-year story — one of warmth, beauty, and timeless Rajasthan.